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Bill

A 3855

Permits member of New Jersey National Guard to transfer 50 percent of certain tuition benefit to dependent child or 100 percent of certain tuition benefit to spouse.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Danielsen and 5 co-sponsors

Allows a New Jersey National Guard member to transfer all or part of their tuition benefit to a spouse or one dependent child, with limits on credits.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3855

Bill Summary: A-3855 (Session 222) – New Jersey National Guard Tuition Benefit Transfer

Purpose and Intent

  • To allow a member of the New Jersey National Guard to transfer all or part of the state tuition benefit (currently available to the Guard member) to a spouse or dependent child.
  • The transfer is limited to one recipient and aims to expand educational access for the Guard family while maintaining eligibility requirements similar to those for the member.

Key Provisions and Changes

Existing Benefit (unchanged framework)

  • Under current law (N.J.S. 18A:62-24), a New Jersey National Guard member is entitled to attend regularly scheduled courses at public New Jersey higher education institutions and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free, subject to:
    1. Completion of Initial Active Duty Training and good standing.
    2. Enrollment as undergraduate or graduate student in good standing.
    3. Application for all applicable state and federal student grants/scholarships for which eligible.
    4. Application for VA benefits under Post-9/11 GI Bill (with an exception if the transfer is used under this bill’s provisions).

New Transfer Provisions (added by A-3855)

  • A National Guard member who has completed Initial Active Duty Training and is in good standing may transfer the tuition benefit to a spouse or dependent child, instead of using it personally.
  • Eligibility criteria for the recipient (spouse or dependent child) mirror the member’s:
    • Must be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate student in good standing.
    • Must apply for all applicable State and federal student grants/scholarships for which eligible.
  • Transfer is limited: a member may transfer the benefit to only one person (spouse or one dependent child).
  • Benefit recipients after transfer:
    • Spouse: Eligible to receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free at a public institution.
    • Dependent child: Eligible to receive up to 8 credits per semester tuition-free at a public institution.

Administrative and Financial Details

  • The State remains responsible for reimbursing public institutions for tuition costs incurred under these provisions for the Guard member, the transferred spouse, or dependent child, to the extent that the costs are not covered by VA Post-9/11 benefits.
  • The act specifically applies to tuition-free credits at public institutions enumerated in N.J.S.18A:62-1.
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Members of the New Jersey National Guard who are eligible for the existing tuition benefit.
  • Indirect: Spouses and dependent children of eligible Guard members who may receive a transferred tuition benefit.
  • Public colleges and universities in New Jersey that participate in the state tuition-free credit program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  • Immediate effect upon enactment (as stated in the bill text).

Practical Implications

  • Provides a family-centered option to maximize value of the tuition benefit by allowing one recipient (spouse or child) to receive up to 16 credits per semester or 8 credits for a dependent, potentially enhancing educational opportunities for Guard families.
  • Maintains current safeguards: transfer requires eligibility criteria for the recipient, including enrollment status and grant/scholarship applications.
  • Requires coordination with public institutions for tuition reimbursement and with Veterans Affairs benefits where applicable.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law to highlight every differential and potential impacts on budgeting for institutions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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